The Christmas season brings out the best in us. More people tune to our stations than at any other time of the year, some stations topping a million listeners per week, once unthinkable in our format.   

Many stations do their best job of connecting on common values with stories of hope, forgiveness, and fresh beginnings. Over the last several weeks I have heard some amazing stories and songs.

I heard how Pamela and her daughter were helped to move out of the homeless shelter and start a new life!

I heard Craig’s story of being able to hear for the first time because of a caring surgeon.   

I heard the story of the man who decorated his house with Christmas lights knowing that his son wouldn’t live to see Christmas.  When his neighbors found out they joined in and decorated their houses months early.  

Stories and songs.

(Important:  Please notice how these stories resonate just as much with a brand-new listener as with someone who has listened for years).

“There is nothing more powerful than to be able to give something to someone that lets them know they matter.  This is the beauty of Christmas.  Isn’t it interesting that the day that centers around the coming of Jesus into human history has provoked the greatest movement of generosity and giving the world has ever known?   Where Jesus is generosity flows.”

Erwin McManus

If I were the program director at a station today that quote would be prominently displayed in the studio for all to see.   You’ll never be it unless you aspire to it.